Mike Strange said he owes it all to his mentor, Robert “Heater” Lavelle, for getting him involved in charity events to help local children in need.

“None of this could of happened if it wasn’t for “Heater” who did so much for the city of Niagara Falls, this area and helping children,” Strange said on Saturday, August 8th during the 5th Annual Heater’s Heroes fundraiser that began at noon and ran until 10 p.m. at Oakes Park.

Each child in need runs around the track with their family and supporters while members of the community cheer them on.

Strange founded Heater’s Heroes in 2011 with all of the proceeds going to help support children across the Niagara region.

“These children really are my inspiration,” said Strange, an 11-time Canadian amateur boxing champion who also represented Canada in three consecutive Olympic games.

He also founded the BoxRun Foundation to help fight childhood cancer. Last year, the run began on May 8, from St. John’s, NF, and Strange ran a marathon a day for 90 days finishing in his hometown of Niagara Falls.

Earlier this year, Niagara Falls city council approved the request to honour Strange with a permanent plaque at Oakes Park for his athletic achievements and humanitarian efforts.

The plaque was unveiled Saturday by Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati. “We thank you Mike for your humanitarian services and for giving back to our community,” said Diodati. “What is so nice about this is that he is still here and he is still giving.”

Strange said it’s humbling to have received such an honour, but he owes it all to Lavelle for being such an inspiring role model.

“It was sad when he passed away, but in his legacy we carry on with helping children,” said Strange. “It’s an honour to be here and I just want to thank everyone who is involved.”

Some of the children being helped by Saturday’s fundraiser included Tristan Romeo, Mekhia Bowen, Cassie Kikkert, Reed Wales, Hayden Davis, Anya Martinez, Dalton Jacques and Kiara Colosimo.

“Some of these children don’t know what it’s like to feel healthy because they have been sick for so long,” said Strange. “Heater’s Heroes is about giving to kids and putting a smile on their face.”

He encouraged everyone to cheer for the children as they took their turn around the track.

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates said he has nothing but the upmost respect for Strange, who not only represented his community as an athlete, but has done incredible work to help children.

“This community owes you a big thank you, and the children owe you a big thank you, because you have raised the awareness of children’s cancer right across the country,” said Gates. “If there is anybody in Niagara Falls who deserves some kind of recognition right here in this park, it’s Mike Strange, congratulations.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson said he went to high school with Lavelle at Niagara Falls Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

“He was a great guy and it’s so wonderful that all his friends and family are doing this each year, it’s a great tribute to him.”

Strange said he just wanted to thank everyone for coming out to support the fundraiser and to all those who helped put him on council.